ground plane issue

You can attach the wire to pin 5 on the base or at the end of the Y, and the easiest way is to purchase a DE9 connector with the appropriate gender male or female where you are using it. Pin 5 is continuously connected to each connector of the Y and as well, the metal shell of the Y connectors are also connected to pin 5.

martind posted:

recently i have experienced some ground plane issues on my layout.  I am not sure why they arose?  Mostly in area of a two metal bridges and an area with 4 parallel tracks.  I did run a ground plane wire off the ground of an outlet which helped a lot.  In reading all of the posts regarding this problem Dale and a few others recommend attaching to pin 5 of the cable coming off the legacy controller.  Physically how do you connect the wire to that pin and can the connection by made to the Y wire or should it come off the legacy unit?   

thanks

  Marty

ground the metal bridges.  we did that and issue gone.

martind posted:

recently i have experienced some ground plane issues on my layout.  I am not sure why they arose?  Mostly in area of a two metal bridges and an area with 4 parallel tracks.  I did run a ground plane wire off the ground of an outlet which helped a lot.  In reading all of the posts regarding this problem Dale and a few others recommend attaching to pin 5 of the cable coming off the legacy controller.  Physically how do you connect the wire to that pin and can the connection by made to the Y wire or should it come off the legacy unit?   

thanks

  Marty

What type of track?  Make sure they are electrically isolated from the bridges.  If it's tubular, the ties making contact with the metal bridge deck could cause a world of hurt.  This is only an issue if you are using track with metal ties that are connected to the common outside rails.

I've been working with Dale to resolve signal issues on my own layout. The way he does it is by taking a male and a female 9 pin D connector and soldering them back to back thus giving access to pin 5. If you contact him he may be willing to set you up with one for a price, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own.

I am using gargraves track and the bridge issue has been fixed by attaching to the ground plane.  The blinking of engine lights still exists in one area of parallel tracks.   I hoped the signal might improve by attaching the ground plane wire to pin 5 on the legacy base.

Elliot,

  I believe that is the answer to mp problem.  I can do attachment of the mail to female  connector.

thanks,

Marty

Marty, Chuck's solution is easier, but if you are using all 3 ends of the Y cable, then go with Dale's solution.

martind posted:

I am using gargraves track and the bridge issue has been fixed by attaching to the ground plane.  The blinking of engine lights still exists in one area of parallel tracks.   I hoped the signal might improve by attaching the ground plane wire to pin 5 on the legacy base.

 

did you ground the bridge?

try a jumper line to see if it works.

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've been working with Dale to resolve signal issues on my own layout. The way he does it is by taking a male and a female 9 pin D connector and soldering them back to back thus giving access to pin 5. If you contact him he may be willing to set you up with one for a price, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own.

Elliot.. How did you make out with your layout signal wise? It's been a while?  gregg

If you want a simple solution to tapping into Pin 5, http://www.trainfacts.com/trainfacts/?p=704

Dale,

  I was able to build a break out connector this weekend and it made a big difference on signal reception.  I would like to thank you  Gunrunner John and  others who have contributed to solving this problem.  If it were not for your input I think a lot of us would not be able to run trains successfully.+

Thanks

Marty

We are pleased that our knowledge can be useful to others.

Gregg posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

I've been working with Dale to resolve signal issues on my own layout. The way he does it is by taking a male and a female 9 pin D connector and soldering them back to back thus giving access to pin 5. If you contact him he may be willing to set you up with one for a price, or if you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own.

Elliot.. How did you make out with your layout signal wise? It's been a while?  gregg

Gregg, it's still a work in progress. I have once again removed the Legacy base and things are better. Due to the ongoing construction, I just haven't done the extensive testing that I need to. More engines are running better. However, I'm fighting with dirty track and dirty wheels and rollers. Short answer, too many variables to have concrete results. Stay tuned.